Driving Miss Daisy (Special Edition) > Reviews > A gentle comedy

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Standard
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Great movie with some superb acting performances .
Disadvantages:	Maybe a little slow for a younger audience

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Driving Miss Daisy, directed by Bruce Beresford, details the subtleties of southern life. Adapted from Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, the movie tells the story of Miss Daisy and her chauffer, Hoke. It is a sentimental journey through the years as we watch a reluctant friendship build between a wealthy lady and her chauffer.

The Plot

Miss Daisy is becoming a danger on the highways as she manages to write-off her car in her own driveway. Despite her stubbornness and typical wealthy Jewish woman’s willfulness she eventually allows Hoke to be her chauffer. As the movie progresses in its quiet and sometimes funny way we see a reluctant friendship develop as the two realize they have much in common. Hoke, with his gentleness and patience begins to win the war against the temperamental Miss Daisy.
As Miss Daisy’s synagogie is attacked, Hoke points out similarities between the Klu-Klux-Klans attacks on black churches.

The movie is tinged with sadness throughout as we first see the family cook die, and then as they both get older they have to go their separate ways as Miss Daisy moves into a home, and Hoke no longer drives. One important factor is that they finally admit to their great friendship.

Although not fast paced, the story is gentle yet somehow gripping.

The acting

Jessica Tandy won and Academy Award for her portrayal of Miss Daisy. She shined in the role convincing the audience of her stubbornness and determination. Morgan Freeman also gave an unforgettable performance as Hoke, with understated humour and a toughness of character that was very evident.

Dan Akroyd more famous for slap-stick type roles plays Miss Daisy’s successful son. This role show’s that Dan is much more than a comedy actor. Playing the character with a little humour but also a lot of compassion we see a different side to Dan’s abilities.

Conclusion

Although billed as a comedy, this movie stands out a s a classic. It’s quiet comedy combined with the great but sad story, make this a movie for all the family. Winning several Academy Awards, this movie was complemented by the great cast and subtle directing. The music accompanying the movie is excellent, somehow enhancing the whole experience. This is a great movie for any collection and will get played often.